Infrastructure
Snow Forces City To Conserve
An avalanche decimates an Alaskan city's energy infrastructure, leading residents to craft creative ways to conserve energy and lower their utility bills.
China Using 10 Times More Cement Than Anyone Else
The Oil Drum charts recent figures released by the U.S. Geological Survey, which show a stunning growth in cement use (and therefore, presumably, building activity) in China as compared to world usage.
Tiny Monaco Using Stilts to Expand
The second-smallest country in the world (after the Vatican) has plans to expand its territory by building more land on stilts in an idea inspired by oil rigs.
Infrastructure Deficit Called a 'Quiet Collapse of Prosperity'
Big city mayors testifying before a Senate committee are asking for more federal infrastructure investments, but admitted that even the $1.6 trillion estimated by the American Society of Engineers wouldn't be enough.
Municipal WiFi: Boon or Boondoggle?
Santa Monica, CA is succeeding where other larger cities have failed, creating a public WiFi system that actually makes money.
Crime, Rising Costs Draw Concerns for World Cup Host
With the first game of the 2010 World Cup exactly two years away, many in host country South Africa are concerned about rising inflation, increased violence, and skyrocketing costs of stadium construction.
Services Lacking in the Servants' Slums
Upwardly-mobile city dwellers in India are heavily reliant on the neighboring slums that house their servants. But many public services are lacking beyond the walls of the affluent developments.
Dreaming of a Superhighway Across Maine
Officials in Maine are considering a plan to build a cross-state superhighway.
Portland Congressman Leading Push for Federal Infrastructure Investment
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Oregon) has been selected by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to lead a campaign to 'Renew and Rebuild America.'
12 Kilometers of Subway, or 175 of Trams?
Vancouver has plans to spend nearly $3 billion on a 12-km stretch of subway. But a recent study shows that same amount of money could be used to create a tram system covering more than 175 km in the city.
Unfortunately, More Trains Means More Noise
A peaceful suburb wanting to preserve its tranquility is pitted against a large rail company attempting to lessen freight congestion around Chicago by running its trains through it and other suburbs on an existing rail line it hopes to purchase.
Can a Tunnel Cure Atlanta's Congestion?
This article from Reason argues that a double-decker traffic tunnel can effectively reduce congestion in Atlanta -- one of the most congested cities in America.
Providing Public Services a Challenge for Karachi's Mayor
Tackling urban infrastructure problems in Karachi, Pakistan, is an uphill battle for Mayor Syed Mustafa Kamal. With few services, continuing violence and a rising population, he has his work more than cut out for him.
Aging Water Infrastructure Worries Nashville Officials
This piece from NPR looks at water issues in Nashville, Tennessee, where local officials are trying to make the city's aging infrastructure a priority for voters.
Opportunities in Tornadoes
Parkersburg, IA, reeling from a recent tornado that devastated the town, could look to nearby Charles City for a silver lining.
Goldman Sachs Sees Gold in Humboldt, CA
Humboldt's port shows promise, but would require massive investment. Goldman Sachs expresses an interest, surprising locals.
Politicians Call on Seattle to Think Creatively About Freeway Problem
In this guest column, Washington Governor Christine Gregoire, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, and King County Executive Ron Sims argue that Seattle needs to find a creative solution to the problem posed by its aging inner-city freeway.
Toilet-To-Tap: Getting Past The 'Yuck Factor'
As the cities in the arid Western United States face huge water shortages, officials and scientists are trying to convince the public that recycled wastewater can be clean and safe.
The Job Of Quenching Las Vegas' Thirst
With some predicting that this fast growing metropolis will run out of water within the decade, the head of the region's water authority has a tough job ahead.
Budapest To Encourage Cycling
Thick congestion has politicians in Budapest looking at ways to improve mobility -- mainly by encouraging bicycle use.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
